[Report This]Date: 16 Aug 2020 11:03 Title: Episode 10.3 - The Morality of Hybridizing Intelligent Species
That's some heavy stuff in this chapter and I don't even know if I've absorbed all of it.
One point I noted straight away are the parallels to contemporary society. I think you have quite purposefully modeled future Earth close to contemporary Earth, down to the names of the civil service departments looking after it people. Most startling, to me at least, is that your future Earth is clearly no utopia as envisioned by Roddenberry. Racism, crime, injustice etc. are still very much a real thing.
That helps make this story feel particularly relevant and topical.
The hybridization argument, which of course is a key theme in this series, is fascinating. It feels both new and topical because it seems like the next logical (not pun intended) issue society may struggle with once it finally accepts being truly diverse. Is there such a thing as racial identity and if not, how does hybridization affect cultural identity?
What is interesting in your argument is that genetics and genetic manipulation play a big role in making hybridization possible. I don't believe Trek generally takes into account that cross species procreation may require a fair amount of meddling with genetics, I know I haven't. But if that were the case, and there is no reason to believe it wouldn't, you've got yourself one big ethical quagmire to contend with.
One which you are spelling out quite splendidly in this chapter and in Hunter generally.
Author's Response:
I'm really gratified you dug deep into this scene. I actually think Roddenberry was spot on about our future. But if we do get there (and I think we will) it won't be human nature that gets us there. It will be our institutions.
Genetically, we are indistinguishable from our ancestors of only 5,000 years ago who thought that sacrificing children by burning them alive might be a good way to control the weather. What has made life so much better for us is the rule of law and institutionalized humanism.
The very first line in this story is a quote by Dr. Kenny Dolphin: "Utopia is not possible without the rule of law. There can be no paradise without lawyers."
Star Trek Enterprise opened the furrow of genetic engineering being needed for successful hybrids with the storyline about T'Pol's and Trip's baby. Their baby died because the Earth First movement held the child hostage and would not allow her the genetic modification she needed to keep her vulcan and human immune systems from shredding each other.
And thanks again for the kind words!! rbs